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Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Leekfrith

The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Leekfrith

The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

Hard

4.8

(294)

2,171

hikers

The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

03:24

11.3km

330m

Hiking

Embark on a difficult 7.0-mile (11.3 km) hike that takes you from the dramatic gritstone ridges of The Roaches to the mysterious, moss-covered chasm of Lud's Church. This route, typically completed in 3 hours and 23 minutes, offers a captivating journey through varied terrain. You'll gain 1091 feet (333 metres)…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 547 m for 21 m

After 10.7 km for 21 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

286 m

Don Whillans Memorial Hut

Highlight • Climb

Following his untimely death, a memorial fund for Don Whillans had started in the autumn of 1985 under the then Chairman of the BMC, Derek Walker. Within a few years …

Tip by

628 m

Rocky Steps at Black Brook Nature Reserve

Highlight • Trail

Since the devastating fire of the roaches last summer, the upper branches of these magnificent pines were badly scorched.

But yesterday I was heartened to see nature is doing what …

Tip by

1.09 km

Doxey Pool

Highlight • Viewpoint

This tiny little pool is said to be home to a malicious mermaid named Jenny Greenteeth. The mysterious Doxey Pool can be found on the path that runs across the …

Tip by

1.54 km

Trig point on The Roaches

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Roaches in the Peak District are a dramatic gritstone ridge, attracting hikers and climbers with their rugged beauty. These rocky outcrops offer stunning views and challenging terrain, making them a popular destination.

Tip by

2.38 km

Rabbit Rock (The Roaches)

Highlight • Climb

Unique rock formation in the Roaches, quite literally in the shape of rabbits!

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2.62 km

The Roaches Rock Slab Path

Highlight • Natural Monument

The rock slabbed path from the road at Roach end up to the summit of the Roaches has impressive views and a few well-placed rocks, perfect for silly photo opportunities.

Tip by

3.01 km

Bearstone Rock

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a striking natural feature nestled within the Peak District's picturesque countryside. It's a clear, well-maintained path up to the rock which is ideal for famillies.

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4.70 km

Luds Church Entrance

Highlight • Natural Monument

A short walk from the Gradbach car park, Luds Church is a fabulous mystical chasm formed by prehistoric landslides. It's very muddy all year round though, so not one for white trainers!

Tip by

4.77 km

Luds Church Gorge

Highlight • Cave

Breathtaking to walk through the heart of Luds Church. Does get a bit boggy though when it has rained and needs some surefootedness at times.

Tip by

10.3 km

View from The Roaches Ridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Signposts are lacking in some places.

Tip by

11.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.16 km

2.83 km

1.22 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.83 km

2.97 km

872 m

453 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (490 m)

Lowest point (330 m)

Weather

Wednesday 5 August

17°C

9°C

-- %

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Comments

December 7, 2022,My Favourite Hike: the Roaches and Lud's Church

A wonderful climb past a haunted mermaid’s pool, rocks that look like crashed spaceships to a fairytale chasm dripping with lush, green moss.

“If any of my friends express an interest in hiking, this is the route I always take them on,” says Advnture contributor Claire Maxted. “The ascent up the Roaches is steep but short and interesting, through rocks …

February 22, 2023,The Roaches and Luds Church Hike

Started off pretty miserable. Misty, windy and plenty of drizzle. Brightened up as we headed back from Luds.

September 12, 2021,The Roaches and Luds Church12.09.2021 15:15

If I only use pencil well I would be the same. Its easier for me to paint. Hope to see you up the hills. Enjoy.

June 14, 2023,The Roaches & Lud’s church

I nearly didn't do this walk after reading reviews about how hard it was and people having to scramble up on all fours etc. i am so glad that i chose to give it a go. OK, so there is a climb to get up there but kids were doing it in pumps and im no spring chicken and i …

July 21, 2024,Hen Cloud, The Roaches and Luds Church

A Peak District classic!
Starting at the newly marked parking bays along Roach Road, head up Hen Cloud - be sure to get your pals to run opposited to capture the shots from a distance!
Retrace your steps to follow the top along the Roaches. For the first time I discovered the climbers hut and the rock with carved steps. …

November 11, 2023,The roaches winter hike

What amazing autumnal weather. That 'current bun' did us proud. Loads of mud for all. Bob on!👌
And yes I left komoot running again on drive to pub. Doh!🤣

February 22, 2025,Misty morning Roaches & Luds Church

Followed the route @Terry shared recently - thanks! Though I missed the views this time, will definitely be back 🙂

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The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

Don Whillans Memorial Hut

Rocky Steps at Black Brook Nature Reserve

Doxey Pool

Trig point on The Roaches

Rabbit Rock (The Roaches)

The Roaches Rock Slab Path

Bearstone Rock

Luds Church Entrance

Luds Church Gorge

View from The Roaches Ridge

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